Iranians stage protest rally against Shia crackdown in Bahrain

The Iranian demonstrators took to the streets after Friday prayers in Tehran, chanting “Death to the House of Khalifa,” a reference to the ruling family of Bahrain, and also, “Death to the House of Saud,” a reference to the Saudi royal family.

Iranian protestors hold banners in the capital Tehran on May 26, 2017 during a demonstration in support of top Bahraini Shia cleric Isa Qassim, who was sentenced on May 21 to a suspended one-year jail term. (AFP Photo)

Hundreds of Iranian worshippers have rallied in Tehran to denounce a Bahrain police raid on the hometown of a prominent Shia cleric this week that left five of his supporters dead and 286 arrested.

The Iranian demonstrators took to the streets after Friday prayers in Tehran, chanting “Death to the House of Khalifa,” a reference to the ruling family of Bahrain, and also, “Death to the House of Saud,” a reference to the Saudi royal family.

Iranian media said similar rallies took place in other cities and towns across the country.

Predominantly Shiite Iran sees itself as a protector of Shiites across the Muslim world.